All Legal and brief

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Looking to the future: qualifications and career pathways

This is the second article of a two-part series that will discuss the changing role of the dental nurse and the new opportunities that these changes will bring. This article will examine how qualifications and different career options can transform dental nurses' career progression

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Looking to the future: the changing role of the dental nurse

This is the first article of a two-part series that will discuss the changing role of the dental nurse and the new opportunities that these changes will bring. This article will examine how the role is changing and how the Scope of Practice is contributing towards this change

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Safeguarding: the role of the dental nurse in practice

Since the original article was written in 2012, there have been changes in relevant guidance, and new standards are being introduced. In this article, the law, regulations and guidance covering safeguarding are outlined, as well as what dental nurses need to know

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Dos and don'ts – the answers

This is the second of two articles featuring a number of dilemmas that may be faced by dental nurses concerning their role when treating patients and with regard to individual professional responsibilities. It will outline the best ways forward and refers to the current guidance available

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Dos and don'ts – the answers

This is the first of two articles featuring a number of dilemmas that may be faced by dental nurses concerning their role when treating patients and with regard to individual professional responsibilities. It will outline the best ways forward and refers to the current guidance available

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Technology for patient education and practice management

Digital media – websites, DVDs and social media – can be used to improve communication with patients, and support education, monitoring and preventive measures. Technology can also help in practices in other ways, such as recording keeping

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Valid consent: principles and practice

Ensuring valid consent is becoming increasingly important and complicated due to social and demographic changes, and as more elective and elaborate treatments are provided. Having a sound, ethical consent process can give your practice an advantage

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Social media use by employees

There has been a big increase in the use of social media recently. While a lot of employees have their own social media profiles, many dental practices are now seeing the benefits of using social media to promote their business

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Indemnity and how it protects the dental nurse

Indemnity protects the career and professional status of the dental nurse, and a basic level of indemnity is essential. Different kinds of indemnity are available, and dental nurses need to understand them so they can choose the most appropriate for their role

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Training and learning do not have to be boring

So much of our current learning feels so repetitive and routine that our brains pay less attention to it. Presenters or tutors do most of the talking and audiences do most of the listening. In this article, Claire Deegan looks at strategies for increasing engagement in education and learning

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Oral hygiene behaviour change using motivational interviewing

Understanding a person's readiness to change could improve the way in which oral hygiene interventions and advice are given in the clinical setting. The aim of this article, therefore, is to provide a brief guide to behaviour change using motivational interviewing when discussing interdental cleanin

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Evidence-based practice and dental nurse education

Dental nurses’ practice should be based on evidence to ensure it is safe and of a high standard. However, the nature of dental nurses’ education means they face barriers to carrying out evidence-based practice

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Thinking of becoming a dental nurse? Make the right choice

The changing landscape of dental nursing is often discussed, but how many individuals think about their choice of primary qualification? This article provides an overview of the different dental nurse qualifications, and key considerations to take into account when making this decision

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The role of communication and ego states in patient compliance

Good communication is central to patient compliance. Patients are more likely to comply with regimens if they have decided to follow them than if they have been told to do so, and an understanding of ego states can help dental care staff to empower patients in decision making